Treatment FAQ

what is gum treatment

by Randi Dach Sr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Also known as scaling and root planing or a deep cleaning, gum therapy treats the area beneath the gumline when signs of gum disease are present. According to the American Dental Association, gum disease commonly affects patients who don't do a good enough job eliminating plaque from their teeth.Apr 15, 2019

What is the best natural cure for gum disease?

Gum Disease Treatments The tartar that forms on the teeth by the gum line will only be able to be removed by a dentist. Patients who don’t have extensive tartar build up can reverse the progression of their gingivitis by doing a better job with their at-home brushing and flossing.

What is gum disease and how is it treated?

Nonsurgical gum treatments can help remove the plaque and infected gum tissue in the early stages of periodontal disease, while smoothing the damaged root surfaces. These treatments include scaling and root planning along with adjunctive therapy such as delivery of antimicrobials to prevent future growth of bacteria.

How to fix Unhealthy gums?

Chlorhexidine (Peridex®, PerioChip®, PerioGard® and other over-the-counter trade names) is an antibiotic used to control plaque and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) in the mouth or in periodontal pockets (the space between the gums and teeth).

How to reverse periodontal disease naturally?

Some treatments for gum disease are surgical. Some examples are: Flap surgery/pocket reduction surgery. During this procedure the gums are …

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How is gum treatment done?

Gum Disease Treatments In this procedure, the dentist will scrape away the plaque and tartar off the teeth above and below the gum line. The root of the teeth will also be cleaned of plaque and tartar build-up. You'll then get a clean slate.

What does gum treatment mean?

This type of surgery is commonly known as gum surgery. The procedure aims to treat the gum disease and any damage it may have caused by: regrowing damaged bones and tissues. preventing tooth loss. reducing gum gaps between teeth, known as black triangles.Mar 10, 2018

How does a dentist do gum treatment?

Scaling and Root Planing Scaling: Your dentist or hygienist removes plaque and tartar down to the bottom of each periodontal pocket. Root Planing: Then, the root surfaces of your teeth are smoothed, or “planed”, to allow the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the teeth.

Is gum treatment necessary?

If untreated, gum disease could lead to bone and tooth loss. If gum disease is caught early and hasn't damaged the structures below the gum line, a professional cleaning should do. If the pockets between your gums and teeth are too deep, however, scaling and root planing may be needed.

Does gum treatment hurt?

Will treatment hurt? You can expect some discomfort from periodontal treatment, but it will probably be much less than you fear. The high fear factor is one of the reasons why people don't see the dentist soon enough when they notice symptoms.

How long does gum surgery take to heal?

The average amount of time it takes to heal after a gum grafting procedure is somewhere between 10 and 14 days.

Is gum disease curable?

So how do I cure gum disease? Gum disease can be cured. Essentially, it's all about removing bacteria from your mouth and allowing the gums to heal back to a healthy state. If you want to get rid of gum disease, the first step is to get the right education so that you know how to clean your teeth effectively at home.Jan 20, 2020

Can gums grow back?

Unfortunately, once gums have receded, they will not grow back on their own. The good news is that there are treatments available that can help cover the exposed tooth root, restore the gum line, enhance your smile, and protect your oral health.Oct 29, 2021

Can a regular dentist treat gum disease?

While a general dentist can treat gum disease with cleanings, and scaling and root planing, a periodontist can treat advanced periodontal disease cases that a general dentist cannot.Aug 4, 2020

How can I regrow my receding gums?

While your gums won't grow back on their own, surgical treatment can be used to replace the missing tissue, and restore both your appearance and your oral health. Gum grafting involves taking soft tissue from another part of the mouth and grafting it onto your gums.

How can I deep clean my gums at home?

Ways to deep clean at home Brushing the teeth two times a day, along with flossing, are the key ways of keeping teeth and gums hale and healthy. You should ensure that your toothbrush is soft and doesn't cause bleeding. Investing in an electric toothbrush is also a viable solution.May 11, 2021

Is a deep cleaning painful?

One of the major reasons many people fear procedures like a dental deep cleaning is the thought of experiencing pain. Some procedures are indeed painful, but with numbing options available, patients do not have to feel any discomfort during the procedure.

How is gum disease treated?

Gum (periodontal) diseases are treated in a variety of ways depending on the stage of disease, how you may have responded to earlier treatments, and your overall health. After a thorough periodontal evaluation, recommendations for treatment range from non-surgical therapies to surgical procedures.

How to treat gum disease?

What are non-surgical treatments for gum disease? 1 Professional dental cleaning: During a typical checkup, your dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar that build up and harden on the tooth surface. (Plaque is the ‘film' that covers teeth, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. Tartar is the hard, yellowish deep deposit on teeth,) When plaque and tartar reach this level of build up, they can only be removed with professional cleaning. Cleaning removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line of all your teeth. If you have some signs of gum disease, your dentist may recommend professional dental cleaning more than twice a year. 2 Scaling and root planing: This is a deep-cleaning, non-surgical procedure that is done under local anesthesia. Hardened plaque and tartar (also called calculus) are scraped away (scaling) from above and below the gum line. Also, any rough spots on the tooth root are made smooth (planing). Smoothing the rough spots removes bacteria and provides a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth. 3 Customized: Sometimes control of plaque and inflammation of gum tissue can be done without surgery. Antibiotics, with products like minocycline HCl (Arrestin®) or chlorhexidine (PerioChip®), can be placed in the mouth in the space between the gums and teeth (the periodontal pocket).

Why are the gums placed around the tooth?

The gums are then placed so that the tissue fits snugly around the tooth. Reducing the space between the gum and tooth also limits the areas where harmful bacteria can grow.

What is the name of the antibiotic that is used to treat gingivitis?

Chlorhexidine (Peridex®, PerioChip®, PerioGard® and other over-the-counter trade names) is an antibiotic used to control plaque and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) in the mouth or in periodontal pockets (the space between the gums and teeth).

What is guided tissue regeneration?

Guided tissue regeneration: Performed when the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed, this procedure stimulates bone and gum tissue growth. Done in combination with flap surgery, a small piece of mesh-like fabric is inserted between the bone and gum tissue.

Can a dentist perform a periodontal procedure?

Your dentist or periodontist can perform most procedures in the office. The time needed to perform the procedures, your degree of discomfort, and time needed to heal vary from patient to patient. Other factors are the type and extent of the procedure and your overall health.

Can you smooth out a rough spot on your gums?

Smoothing the rough spots removes bacteria and provides a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth. Customized: Sometimes control of plaque and inflammation of gum tissue can be done without surgery.

How to treat gum disease?

Some treatments for gum disease are surgical. Some examples are: Flap surgery/pocket reduction surgery. During this procedure the gums are lifted back and the tartar is removed. In some cases, irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed to limit areas where disease-causing bacteria can hide.

What is the procedure to fill gums?

Soft tissue grafts. This procedure reinforces thin gums or fills in places where gums have receded. Grafted tissue, most often taken from the roof of the mouth, is stitched in place, adding tissue to the affected area. Guided tissue regeneration.

What is bone graft?

Bone grafts. This procedure involves using fragments of your own bone, synthetic bone, or donated bone to replace bone destroyed by gum disease. The grafts serve as a platform for the regrowth of bone, which restores stability to teeth. New technology, called tissue engineering, encourages your own body to regenerate bone ...

Why are gums placed around teeth?

The gums are then placed so that the tissue fits snugly around the tooth. This method reduces the size of the space between the gum and tooth, thereby decreasing the areas where harmful bacteria can grow and decreasing the chance of serious health problems associated with periodontal disease. Bone grafts.

What is guided tissue regeneration?

Guided tissue regeneration. Performed when the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed, this procedure stimulates bone and gum tissue growth. Done in combination with flap surgery, a small piece of mesh-like fabric is inserted between the bone and gum tissue.

How long does it take for a tooth to heal from root planing?

The medication is available as a mouth rinse or as a gelatin-filled chip that is placed in pockets after root planing and releases the medication slowly over about 7 days. Other antibiotics, including doxycycline, tetracycline, and minocycline (Arestin) may also be used to treat gum disease, as determined by your dentist.

Why is the bone around the tooth reshaped after flap surgery?

Smoothes shallow craters in the bone due to moderate and advanced bone loss. Following flap surgery, the bone around the tooth is reshaped to decrease the craters. This makes it harder for bacteria to collect and grow.

How to get rid of bacteria in teeth?

Your dentist will carefully detail the oral hygiene practices you need to follow, including brushing your teeth properly and flossing daily. Clean your teeth carefully, making sure not to miss any of the hard-to-reach spots, and use mouthwash to help kill off any leftover bacteria.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal diseases are infections in the structures around the teeth, but not in the actual teeth themselves. These structures include the: It can progress from gingivitis, which is the first stage of periodontal disease and only affects the gums, to the other structures. Periodontal diseases are caused most often by a combination ...

How much does it cost to remove tartar from a tooth?

The gums will then be sutured to fit more tightly around the tooth. This procedure typically costs between $1000 and $3000 without insurance.

How much does a bone graft cost?

It will be placed to cover exposed tooth roots. A single procedure for bone or tissue grafts can cost around $600 to $1200. During aftercare, don’t use straws.

What is scaling in dental?

Procedures called “scaling” and “root planing” will also happen during this stage, where the dentist will clean your teeth deeply and remove plaque and calculus. Medications may also be prescribed.

Can periodontal disease cause tooth extraction?

Periodontal disease can increase your risk for conditions like stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. Untreated, it can also result in tooth extraction. It’s exceptionally important to treat it. If you start early, it can even save you from needing more invasive treatments in the long run.

Can you get implants if you have teeth removed?

Some individuals may also enter a restorative phase if extensive surgery was needed. Implants or prosthetics may be inserted if teeth were extracted or if a large amount of tissue or bone had to be removed . Orthodontic treatment can also help align your teeth properly, making them easier to care for.

How to get rid of gums that are receding?

Brushing your teeth too hard may also cause your gums to recede. Here are some tips for brushing your teeth: Use a soft to othbrush instead of one with hard bristles. Be gentle as you brush. Let the bristles do the work, not your arm muscles. Brush at least twice per day, and for at least two minutes at a time.

How to prevent receding gums?

A healthy lifestyle will also help prevent receding gums. This means eating a balanced diet and quitting smoking and smokeless tobacco. Try to see your dentist twice per year, even if you take great care of your teeth and gums.

What happens when your gums are receding?

In addition to less gum tissue around the teeth, receding gums often result in: bad breath. swollen and red gums. a bad taste in your mouth. loose teeth. You may notice that your bite is different. You may also notice some pain or that your gums are especially tender.

How do you know if your gums are pulling away?

If you look closely at all of your teeth, you may also notice the gum pulling away from the root of one or more teeth. Gum recession tends to happen gradually. You may not notice a difference in your gums from one day to the next.

How to stop gum recession?

To slow or stop the progression of gum recession, you’ll have to take charge of your oral health. See your dentist twice per year if possible. Follow your dentist’s instructions about proper oral hygiene. If your gum recession is serious, you may want to consult with a periodontist. This is a specialist in gum disease.

What causes a recession in the gums?

Other causes of gum recession. Additional causes of gum recession include the following: Sports injury or other trauma to the mouth. For example, body piercing studs of the lip or tongue can rub against the gum tissue, causing recession. Smoking.

How to get rid of plaque between teeth?

Using a daily mouth rinse that fights plaque may help get plaque between teeth. A dental pick or another type of interdental cleaner may also help keep hard-to-reach areas clean. Mild gum recession increases your risk of bacteria forming in pockets around the affected area.

What is the sign of gum disease?

Gingivitis to Periodontitis. A significant indicator of gum disease is inflammation, which is the body's way of shielding, guarding, and protecting itself from infection. Think of it as a blowfish puffing up to scare away predators!

What is the first stage of gum disease?

Gum disease is a sneaky, progressive disease. Here's why: the first stage, called gingivitis, occurs when bacterial plaque is not thoroughly removed from your teeth.

What does it mean when your gums are red?

A periodontal abscess can sometimes occur from advanced gum disease. This abscess appears as a red, swollen lesion on the gumline. If you suddenly feel a sharp pain in your gums, it's best to see a dentist quickly, as the sooner an abscess gets treatment, the better!

What are the different types of periodontal disease?

There are different forms of periodontal disease, but the following are the most common: 1 Chronic gingivitis. A reversible, milder form of periodontal disease, marked by inflammation, redness, and bleeding gums. There is no bone loss with gingivitis, and as noted, it is easily preventable! 2 Aggressive periodontitis. A rapid loss of gum attachment and bone destruction in a short period. 3 Chronic periodontitis. The most common form of periodontitis. It progresses slowly. 4 Necrotizing periodontal disease. An infection resulting from the death of gum tissue surrounding the tooth and connecting bone. Its common symptoms are a foul odor and painful bleeding gums.

Why do teeth get loose?

Toxins from this buildup of bacterial plaque affect your gum tissue and the bone and ligaments that support your teeth. As the infection causes periodontitis to spread to the bone and supporting tissues, your teeth may become loose and need removal. But even advanced cases of periodontal disease don't have to progress to this point.

Why do dentists cover roots?

Your dental professional takes gum tissue from your palate or another source and uses it to cover the roots of one or more teeth. Covering exposed roots helps reduce sensitivity and protects your roots from decay while stopping further gum recession and bone loss.

How to prevent tooth decay?

Avoid sugary foods and drinks as they contribute to tooth decay. Instead, build a well-balanced diet. It should consist of plenty of hydration, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, meats, and dairy to make a robust immune system ready to fight disease!

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